[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

US8211375B2 - Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors - Google Patents

Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US8211375B2
US8211375B2 US12/575,334 US57533409A US8211375B2 US 8211375 B2 US8211375 B2 US 8211375B2 US 57533409 A US57533409 A US 57533409A US 8211375 B2 US8211375 B2 US 8211375B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
distribution device
gas
liquid
flow distribution
phase
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US12/575,334
Other versions
US20110081282A1 (en
Inventor
Krishniah Parimi
Steven X. Song
Ralph E. Killen
Ronald K. Meeker
Steven A. Souers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Chevron USA Inc
Original Assignee
Chevron USA Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Chevron USA Inc filed Critical Chevron USA Inc
Assigned to CHEVRON U.S.A. INC reassignment CHEVRON U.S.A. INC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KILLEN, RALPH E., MEEKER, RONALD K., PARIMI, KRISHNIAH, SONG, STEVEN X., SOUERS, STEVEN A.
Priority to US12/575,334 priority Critical patent/US8211375B2/en
Priority to TW99133083A priority patent/TWI466716B/en
Priority to ARP100103614A priority patent/AR078526A1/en
Priority to JP2012533269A priority patent/JP2013507239A/en
Priority to MYPI2012001411A priority patent/MY161960A/en
Priority to CA2776782A priority patent/CA2776782C/en
Priority to RU2012118765/05A priority patent/RU2542248C2/en
Priority to CN201080044862.4A priority patent/CN102574087B/en
Priority to KR1020127009009A priority patent/KR101732409B1/en
Priority to EP10822579.8A priority patent/EP2542335A4/en
Priority to IN3171DEN2012 priority patent/IN2012DN03171A/en
Priority to AU2010303517A priority patent/AU2010303517B2/en
Priority to PCT/US2010/051583 priority patent/WO2011044201A2/en
Priority to BR112012008022-9A priority patent/BR112012008022B1/en
Publication of US20110081282A1 publication Critical patent/US20110081282A1/en
Publication of US8211375B2 publication Critical patent/US8211375B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Priority to JP2016005984A priority patent/JP6093885B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/008—Details of the reactor or of the particulate material; Processes to increase or to retard the rate of reaction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
    • B01F23/2326—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles adding the flowing main component by suction means, e.g. using an ejector
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/40—Static mixers
    • B01F25/42—Static mixers in which the mixing is affected by moving the components jointly in changing directions, e.g. in tubes provided with baffles or obstructions
    • B01F25/43—Mixing tubes, e.g. wherein the material is moved in a radial or partly reversed direction
    • B01F25/433—Mixing tubes wherein the shape of the tube influences the mixing, e.g. mixing tubes with varying cross-section or provided with inwardly extending profiles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/40—Static mixers
    • B01F25/42—Static mixers in which the mixing is affected by moving the components jointly in changing directions, e.g. in tubes provided with baffles or obstructions
    • B01F25/43—Mixing tubes, e.g. wherein the material is moved in a radial or partly reversed direction
    • B01F25/433—Mixing tubes wherein the shape of the tube influences the mixing, e.g. mixing tubes with varying cross-section or provided with inwardly extending profiles
    • B01F25/4335—Mixers with a converging-diverging cross-section
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/02—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
    • B01J8/04—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds
    • B01J8/0446—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds the flow within the beds being predominantly vertical
    • B01J8/0449—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds the flow within the beds being predominantly vertical in two or more cylindrical beds
    • B01J8/0453—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds the flow within the beds being predominantly vertical in two or more cylindrical beds the beds being superimposed one above the other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/02—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
    • B01J8/04—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds
    • B01J8/0492—Feeding reactive fluids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
    • B01J2208/00796—Details of the reactor or of the particulate material
    • B01J2208/00823—Mixing elements
    • B01J2208/00831—Stationary elements
    • B01J2208/00849—Stationary elements outside the bed, e.g. baffles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00002—Chemical plants
    • B01J2219/00018—Construction aspects
    • B01J2219/00024—Revamping, retrofitting or modernisation of existing plants

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a fluid distribution device for downflow multi-bed catalytic reactors.
  • Reactors of this type are employed in the chemical and petroleum refining industries for effecting various reactions such as catalytic dewaxing, hydrotreating, hydrofinishing and hydrocracking.
  • the present fluid distribution device is particularly useful for effecting mixed-phase reactions between a liquid and a vapor.
  • the invention relates to a device for improving the distribution and mixing of gas and liquid egressing a distributor plate above the top of a succeeding catalyst bed.
  • the distributor device is particularly suitable for catalytic reactors in which gas-liquid mixtures are passed through beds of solid catalyst particles, particularly for downflow catalytic reactors used for hydrotreating and hydrocracking in oil refining operations.
  • a multi-bed downflow catalytic reactor a plurality of catalyst beds is arranged within the reactor and a distributor system for the proper mixing of gas and liquids is arranged in the region between two subsequent catalyst beds. This region is normally provided with a gas injection line underneath a catalyst bed, whereby additional gas is injected to compensate for the gas already consumed in the previous catalyst bed.
  • the injected gas can also act as a quench gas.
  • the injected gas is hydrogen or comprises hydrogen.
  • the liquid falling downward from the above-lying catalyst bed is allowed to accumulate on a collector tray.
  • the quench gas and liquid then pass into a mixing chamber where a swirling movement of the liquid is provided. This enables good mixing of the liquid and thereby even temperature conditions of the liquid.
  • Gas-liquid mixing also takes place inside the mixing chamber.
  • the fluid from the mixing chamber falls downward onto a deflector or impingement plate, whereby the flow is redirected onto a first distributor tray having a large number of downflow openings for the passage of liquid.
  • the downflow openings can comprise one or more conduits, or chimneys.
  • the chimney is a cylindrical structure with an open top and one or more openings in the upper portion of its height through which a gas phase can enter.
  • the gas phase travels downward through the length of the chimney cylinder.
  • the lower portion of the chimney can have one or more lateral openings for liquid flow through which a liquid phase can enter the cylindrical structure of the chimney and contact the gas phase.
  • liquids As liquids accumulate on the distributor tray, they rise to a level that covers the lateral opening or openings in the chimney so that the passage of gas is precluded and so that the liquid can enter through the lateral opening or openings into the cylindrical structure. Gases and liquids egress via an opening in the bottom of the chimney, through the distributor tray, and onto an underlying catalyst bed. Only limited mixing between the two phases happens in the cylindrical structure because of the low turbulence around liquid streams.
  • a good flow distribution device should meet the following four basic requirements: provide even distribution of feed to a catalyst bed over a range of gas and liquid rates; be tolerant to certain out-of-levelness of the distribution tray; provide good gas-liquid mixing and heat exchange, and require minimum catalyst bed height to fully wet the underlying catalyst bed. Because the driving force for liquid flow into the chimney is the static liquid height on the tray, standard chimneys can be deficient in meeting these criteria due to poor tolerance for deviations from levelness of the distributor tray. They also suffer from suboptimal spray discharge of fluids onto the underlying catalyst bed.
  • a standard chimney distributor provides only some point contacts of liquid with the catalyst bed. As a result, it takes certain bed height to adequately wet the catalyst surface and for the desired catalytic reactions to occur. A more uniform and consistent spray pattern and more uniform catalyst wetting in a short length of catalyst bed are desired. It is an object of this invention to achieve an even distribution of fluid over the top of the catalyst bed as a sustained spray. It is another object of the invention to improve the tolerance for flow distributor design for distributor tray out of levelness.
  • the invention provides for a flow distribution device for distributing a poly-phase fluid to a granular solid, comprising at least one gas conduit for introducing a gas phase into a mixing cavity having a radial diameter which is greater than a radial diameter of the gas conduit, the gas conduit extending from a gas inlet opening through a lower gas conduit opening into the mixing cavity, the gas conduit opening being positioned no lower than the lower extent of a liquid conduit that is provided for introducing a liquid phase into the mixing cavity; and a poly-phase nozzle for accelerating and dispersing the liquid and gas phases passing out of the flow distribution device, the nozzle having an nozzle inlet that is fixidly coupled to and co-axially aligned with the mixing cavity.
  • the invention provides for a distributor tray having at least one chimney for distributing a downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material, the chimney including one flow distribution device that has been retrofit into the chimney, the flow distribution device comprising at least one gas conduit for introducing a gas phase into a mixing cavity having a radial diameter which is greater than a radial diameter of the gas conduit, the gas conduit extending from a gas inlet opening through a lower gas conduit opening into the mixing cavity, the gas conduit opening being positioned no lower than the lower extent of a liquid that is provided for introducing a liquid phase into the mixing cavity; and a poly-phase nozzle for accelerating and dispersing the liquid and gas phases passing out of the flow distribution device, the nozzle having an nozzle inlet that is fixidly coupled to and co-axially aligned with the mixing cavity.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic, cut-away side view of an embodiment of the flow distribution device of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic, perspective, side cut-away view of the flow distribution device of the invention in the context of a reactor vessel.
  • the invention in one embodiment is a fluid distribution device for distributing a downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material.
  • the fluid distribution device for receiving the liquid and gas phases has one or more openings in the top and/or upper portion of its height through which a gas phase can enter and has a gas conduit that opens to a mixing cavity within the device.
  • the fluid distribution device further comprises one or more lateral openings for liquid ingress. The lateral opening or openings allow the liquid to enter a liquid conduit that opens to the internal mixing cavity. The mixing cavity allows intimate contact between the liquid and gas phases.
  • the gas inlet tube is narrower than the mixing cavity, causing a venturi type effect, and creating a lower pressure in the interior of the fluid distribution device.
  • the pressure differential helps β€œpull” the liquid phase through the liquid conduit to the mixing cavity.
  • liquid flow rate through the lateral openings is at least in part determined by the venturi effect of the relatively narrow gas conduit. Therefore the flow distribution device of the invention allows greater tolerance for tray out of levelness than chimneys of the prior art.
  • the fluid (mixed gas and liquid phases) exits the fluid distribution device via a tapered and beveled venturi outlet as a wider spray pattern. The pressure drop across the fluid distribution device is minimized for energy saving and to reduce attrition on top bed layer.
  • the fluid distribution device of the invention can be used in downflow catalytic reactors.
  • the flow distribution device of the invention allows gas phase and liquid phase mixing and distributes the fluids as a well dispersed spray onto, for example, an underlying catalyst bed.
  • gas, liquid, and combinations thereof are referred to as β€œfluid” or β€œfluids”.
  • the flow distribution device of the invention can be inserted into a preexisting chimney in a distribution tray assembly.
  • the flow distribution device that can be inserted into a pre-existing chimney would thus be referred to as a chimney insert.
  • the flow distribution device can be installed directly in the distribution tray in place of a chimney.
  • the fluid distribution device of the invention can range in size from about 1 inch in diameter to about 4 inches in diameter, although smaller or larger diameters are possible depending on the application.
  • the fluid distribution device of the invention can range in size from about 1.5 inch in diameter to about 3 inches in diameter
  • the number of fluid distribution devices of the invention for use in a downflow catalytic reactor can vary and is selected according to the desired flow rates and other conditions desired in the downflow catalytic reactor.
  • the selection process for the number of fluid distribution devices of the invention is similar to the conventional selection process for determining the number of standard chimneys in a downflow catalytic reactor.
  • the flow distribution device may be employed in a retrofit application.
  • a pre-existing chimney can be used and the flow distribution device inserted into the existing chimney.
  • FIG. 1 shows how the flow distribution device 1 can be employed as an insert in which the diameter of the device is such that it will insert into a pre-existing chimney in distributor tray 85 , forming an essentially fluid tight seal with the chimney wall 4 .
  • FIG. 2 further illustrates a distribution of chimneys, including the flow distribution device 1 , on a distributor tray.
  • the fluid distribution device extends upwardly from the bottom of the chimney 65 to a height that is greater than 50% or greater than 75% of the distance between the bottom of the chimney 65 and the top of the chimney 70 .
  • the invention can be scaled so as to insert into a variety of differently sized pre-existing chimneys for retrofit application. Scaling can be accomplished by measuring the interior diameter of the pre-existing chimney and scaling the outer diameter of the flow distribution device of the invention to be smaller than the interior diameter of the pre-existing chimney. In embodiments, the diameter of the outer diameter of the device will range from about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches, although smaller or larger diameters are not excluded and depend on the application. In another embodiment, the invention can be employed as a standalone fluid distribution device.
  • the outer wall 5 forms a cylindrical structure.
  • a top capping portion 6 caps the cylindrical structure formed by the outer wall 5 , and is in fluid tight connection with the cylindrical outer wall.
  • the top capping portion 6 comprises at least one gas inlet opening 10 .
  • the gas inlet opening ranges in diameter from about 0.1 inches to about 1.0 inches, although smaller or larger diameters are not excluded and depend on the application. In some such embodiments, the gas inlet opening ranges in diameter from about 0.3 inches to about 0.7 inches.
  • the top capping portion 6 comprises a single centrally located gas inlet opening 10 .
  • the gas inlet opening 10 opens to an axial gas conduit 15 for gas flow.
  • the gas conduit 15 has a lower gas conduit opening 20 that opens to a mixing cavity 25 .
  • the gas conduit 15 is coaxial with mixing cavity 25 .
  • the gas conduit is in a vertical orientation.
  • a pressure difference is created between the pressure in the mixing cavity 25 and the pressure at the gas inlet opening 10 .
  • This pressure difference between the lower relative pressure in the interior of the flow distribution device and the higher relative pressure on the exterior of the flow distribution device helps drive liquids into the interior of the flow distribution device through one or more lateral openings 35 . Due to the liquid flow being at least in part due to the above described pressure differential, any tray out of levelness will have less of an effect on liquid flow.
  • any liquid flow differentials caused by tray out of levelness will be minimized because the majority of the liquid flow is determined by the pressure differential caused by the gas flow as opposed to any pressure differential attributed to the varying liquid levels due to tray out of levelness.
  • the liquid conduit 35 is positioned such that the gas conduit opening(s) 20 into the mixing cavity 25 is on a horizontal plane which is at least as high (in a vertical dimension) as the lower extent 75 of the liquid conduit 35 .
  • the gas conduit opening 20 is on a horizontal plane between the lower extent 75 and the upper extent 80 of the liquid conduit 35 .
  • the gas conduit opening 20 is on a horizontal plane which is coincident with the upper extent 80 of the liquid conduit 35 .
  • the gas conduit opening 20 is on a horizontal plane no lower than the upper extent 80 of the liquid conduit 35 .
  • a horizontal liquid conduit 35 and a vertical gas conduit 20 which is at least as high as the lower extent of the liquid conduit provides a flow distribution device which may be employed as a retrofit application in an existing chimney, having an existing side hole(s) 30 for liquid flow.
  • the number of lateral openings can vary depending on the desired flow rate.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates one lateral opening for liquid flow. In other embodiments, more than one lateral opening for liquid flow may be employed. In embodiments, multiple lateral openings are on the same horizontal plane with respect to each other. In embodiments, the lateral opening can range in diameter from about 0.2 inches to about 0.75 inches, although smaller or larger diameters are not excluded and depend on the application. In some such embodiments, the lateral liquid inlet has a diameter of between 0.25 and 0.60 inches.
  • the lateral opening 30 for the liquid phase is circular and forms the opening of a cylindrical liquid passageway 35 . In some such embodiments, the axis of the cylindrical liquid conduit is in a horizontal orientation.
  • the axis of the lateral opening is radial to the gas conduit, i.e. is perpendicular to the gas conduit.
  • the cylindrical liquid conduit 35 has a circular outlet opening 40 that opens to the mixing cavity 25 .
  • the liquid flows in the liquid conduit in a direction perpendicular to the flow of gas in the gas conduit.
  • at least a portion (or all) of the liquid flowing from the liquid conduit contacts the gas flowing from the gas conduit in a perpendicular direction.
  • the mixing cavity 25 has a radial diameter B that is greater than the radial diameter A of the cylindrical gas conduit 15 , and greater than the radial diameter C of the liquid conduit 35 .
  • the shape of the mixing cavity can vary, provided that the mixing cavity has sufficient volume to allow mixing of the incoming gas and liquid phases prior to fluid egress.
  • a beveled and tapered poly-phase outlet nozzle 46 At the base of the mixing cavity 25 and below the lateral liquid opening 30 is a beveled and tapered poly-phase outlet nozzle 46 .
  • the poly-phase nozzle 46 has a radial diameter D that is less than the radial diameter B of the mixing cavity 25 .
  • nozzle inlet 45 of the poly-phase nozzle 46 is fixidly coupled to and co-axially aligned with the mixing cavity 25 .
  • the nozzle inlet is co-axially aligned with the gas conduit.
  • the nozzle inlet 45 is centrally located at the base of the mixing cavity and coaxial with the cylindrical outer wall 5 .
  • the shape of the nozzle imparts a venturi effect to the egressing fluids by accelerating and dispersing the liquid and gas phases passing out of the mixing chamber.
  • the bevel of the nozzle is between 5 degrees to 85 degrees, wherein the angle of the bevel is measured from a plane bisecting the poly-phase nozzle 46 and parallel to the top capping portion. In some such embodiments, the bevel is between 30 degrees to 60 degrees, e.g. 45 degrees.
  • the poly-phase nozzle 46 comprises an inner wall 49 .
  • the inner wall 49 is beveled.
  • the bevel of the inner wall is between 5 degrees to 85 degrees, as measured from a plane bisecting the nozzle opening. In some such embodiments, the bevel of the inner wall is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, e.g. 45 degrees.
  • the inner wall can be flat. By flat it is meant that the inner wall is parallel to the bottom wall 55 and/or perpendicular to the side wall 5 .
  • the bottom opening has a radial diameter E that is less than the radial diameter F of the bottom wall. In another embodiment, the bottom opening has a radial diameter E that is equal to the radial diameter F of the bottom wall, i.e. the bottom opening spans the full basal area of the distribution device.
  • the flow distribution device of the invention allows greater tolerance for tray out of levelness than chimneys of the prior art.
  • the flow distribution device of the invention can be used in retrofit applications, providing added economic benefit and design flexibility. Due to the design of the nozzle and diverging nozzle a spray discharge pattern that is uniform and completely wets the catalyst surface underneath the distributor can be achieved.
  • Example 1 (Comparative). Two identical chimneys, A and B, were installed in an 11 in. diameter test cell with chimney A approximately 0.25 in. lower than chimney B to simulate tray out of levelness. The chimneys were approximately 6 in. apart. The diameter of each chimney was 2.5 in. Two lateral openings measuring 0.5 in. diameter were present at 1.0 in. above the bottom of each of the chimneys A and B. The height of each chimney was 6.5 in. Water with a flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute (GPM) and air with a flow rate of 8 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) were used to simulate conditions in a downflow catalytic reactor. The water entered the chimneys through the lateral openings and gas entered through a top opening. The liquid flow rate was measured through each of the chimneys. Chimney A had a flow rate of 58.5% and chimney B had a flow rate of 41.5%.
  • GPSM gallons per minute
  • scfm standard cubic feet per minute
  • Example 2 (invention). The experiment outlined in Example 1 was repeated with the flow distribution device of the invention inserted into each of the chimneys A and B. Flow rates were again measured through each of the chimneys. Chimney A had a flow rate of 49.3% and chimney B had a flow rate of 50.7%.
  • Example 2 demonstrate that the flow distribution device of the invention when used as a chimney insert in a retrofit type application (Example 2) showed higher tolerance for tray out of levelness than chimneys (Example 1) without the insert.
  • the gas/liquid mixing was improved for Example 2 as compared with Example 1 and the spray pattern for Example 2 was wider and more uniform than the spray pattern for Example 1.
  • the fluid distribution device of the invention demonstrated improved characteristics for use as a fluid distribution device when compared with a conventional chimney.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Devices And Processes Conducted In The Presence Of Fluids And Solid Particles (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention is a fluid distribution device for coupling with a fluid distribution conduit or chimney for improving the distribution of downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material. The fluid distribution device for receiving the liquid and gas phases has one or more openings in the top and/or upper portion of its height through which a gas phase can enter and has a gas conduit that opens to a mixing cavity within the device. The fluid distribution device further comprises one or more lateral openings for liquid ingress. The lateral opening or openings allow the liquid to enter a liquid conduit that opens to the internal mixing cavity. The mixing cavity allows intimate contact between the liquid and gas phases. Therefore the flow distribution device of the invention provides improved tolerance for tray out of levelness.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a fluid distribution device for downflow multi-bed catalytic reactors. Reactors of this type are employed in the chemical and petroleum refining industries for effecting various reactions such as catalytic dewaxing, hydrotreating, hydrofinishing and hydrocracking. The present fluid distribution device is particularly useful for effecting mixed-phase reactions between a liquid and a vapor. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for improving the distribution and mixing of gas and liquid egressing a distributor plate above the top of a succeeding catalyst bed. The distributor device is particularly suitable for catalytic reactors in which gas-liquid mixtures are passed through beds of solid catalyst particles, particularly for downflow catalytic reactors used for hydrotreating and hydrocracking in oil refining operations.
BACKGROUND
Many catalytic processes are carried out in reactors that contain a series of separate catalytic beds. Reactors used in the chemical, petroleum refining and other industries for passing liquids or mixed-phase liquid/vapor mixtures over packed beds of particular solids are employed for a variety of different processes. Typical of such processes in the petroleum refining industry are catalytic dewaxing, hydrotreating, hydrodesulfurisation, hydrofinishing and hydrocracking. In these processes a liquid phase is typically mixed with a gas or vapor phase and the mixture passed over a particulate catalyst maintained in a packed bed in a downflow reactor.
In downflow reactors, it is necessary that gas and liquid are properly mixed and uniformly distributed across the horizontal cross section of the reactor prior to entering the catalyst beds. Uniform distribution helps ensure efficient utilization of catalyst, reduced catalyst top layer attrition, improved yields, improved product quality, and increased run lengths. Generally, in a multi-bed downflow catalytic reactor, a plurality of catalyst beds is arranged within the reactor and a distributor system for the proper mixing of gas and liquids is arranged in the region between two subsequent catalyst beds. This region is normally provided with a gas injection line underneath a catalyst bed, whereby additional gas is injected to compensate for the gas already consumed in the previous catalyst bed. The injected gas can also act as a quench gas. Generally, the injected gas is hydrogen or comprises hydrogen. The liquid falling downward from the above-lying catalyst bed is allowed to accumulate on a collector tray. The quench gas and liquid then pass into a mixing chamber where a swirling movement of the liquid is provided. This enables good mixing of the liquid and thereby even temperature conditions of the liquid. Gas-liquid mixing also takes place inside the mixing chamber. The fluid from the mixing chamber falls downward onto a deflector or impingement plate, whereby the flow is redirected onto a first distributor tray having a large number of downflow openings for the passage of liquid. For cross-sectional liquid flow distribution, the downflow openings can comprise one or more conduits, or chimneys. The chimney is a cylindrical structure with an open top and one or more openings in the upper portion of its height through which a gas phase can enter. The gas phase travels downward through the length of the chimney cylinder. The lower portion of the chimney can have one or more lateral openings for liquid flow through which a liquid phase can enter the cylindrical structure of the chimney and contact the gas phase. As liquids accumulate on the distributor tray, they rise to a level that covers the lateral opening or openings in the chimney so that the passage of gas is precluded and so that the liquid can enter through the lateral opening or openings into the cylindrical structure. Gases and liquids egress via an opening in the bottom of the chimney, through the distributor tray, and onto an underlying catalyst bed. Only limited mixing between the two phases happens in the cylindrical structure because of the low turbulence around liquid streams.
A good flow distribution device should meet the following four basic requirements: provide even distribution of feed to a catalyst bed over a range of gas and liquid rates; be tolerant to certain out-of-levelness of the distribution tray; provide good gas-liquid mixing and heat exchange, and require minimum catalyst bed height to fully wet the underlying catalyst bed. Because the driving force for liquid flow into the chimney is the static liquid height on the tray, standard chimneys can be deficient in meeting these criteria due to poor tolerance for deviations from levelness of the distributor tray. They also suffer from suboptimal spray discharge of fluids onto the underlying catalyst bed.
One of the key considerations in flow distributor design is the discharge pattern of liquid and gas from the device. A standard chimney distributor provides only some point contacts of liquid with the catalyst bed. As a result, it takes certain bed height to adequately wet the catalyst surface and for the desired catalytic reactions to occur. A more uniform and consistent spray pattern and more uniform catalyst wetting in a short length of catalyst bed are desired. It is an object of this invention to achieve an even distribution of fluid over the top of the catalyst bed as a sustained spray. It is another object of the invention to improve the tolerance for flow distributor design for distributor tray out of levelness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to maximize the performance of multi-bed catalytic reactors, chimneys that allow good mixing of gas and liquids and evenly distribute the gas/liquid mixture to an underlying catalyst bed are important. In an embodiment, the invention provides for a flow distribution device for distributing a poly-phase fluid to a granular solid, comprising at least one gas conduit for introducing a gas phase into a mixing cavity having a radial diameter which is greater than a radial diameter of the gas conduit, the gas conduit extending from a gas inlet opening through a lower gas conduit opening into the mixing cavity, the gas conduit opening being positioned no lower than the lower extent of a liquid conduit that is provided for introducing a liquid phase into the mixing cavity; and a poly-phase nozzle for accelerating and dispersing the liquid and gas phases passing out of the flow distribution device, the nozzle having an nozzle inlet that is fixidly coupled to and co-axially aligned with the mixing cavity.
In another embodiment, the invention provides for a distributor tray having at least one chimney for distributing a downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material, the chimney including one flow distribution device that has been retrofit into the chimney, the flow distribution device comprising at least one gas conduit for introducing a gas phase into a mixing cavity having a radial diameter which is greater than a radial diameter of the gas conduit, the gas conduit extending from a gas inlet opening through a lower gas conduit opening into the mixing cavity, the gas conduit opening being positioned no lower than the lower extent of a liquid that is provided for introducing a liquid phase into the mixing cavity; and a poly-phase nozzle for accelerating and dispersing the liquid and gas phases passing out of the flow distribution device, the nozzle having an nozzle inlet that is fixidly coupled to and co-axially aligned with the mixing cavity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic, cut-away side view of an embodiment of the flow distribution device of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic, perspective, side cut-away view of the flow distribution device of the invention in the context of a reactor vessel.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention in one embodiment is a fluid distribution device for distributing a downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material. The fluid distribution device for receiving the liquid and gas phases has one or more openings in the top and/or upper portion of its height through which a gas phase can enter and has a gas conduit that opens to a mixing cavity within the device. The fluid distribution device further comprises one or more lateral openings for liquid ingress. The lateral opening or openings allow the liquid to enter a liquid conduit that opens to the internal mixing cavity. The mixing cavity allows intimate contact between the liquid and gas phases. The gas inlet tube is narrower than the mixing cavity, causing a venturi type effect, and creating a lower pressure in the interior of the fluid distribution device. The pressure differential helps β€œpull” the liquid phase through the liquid conduit to the mixing cavity. Thus, rather than static liquid height on the tray, liquid flow rate through the lateral openings is at least in part determined by the venturi effect of the relatively narrow gas conduit. Therefore the flow distribution device of the invention allows greater tolerance for tray out of levelness than chimneys of the prior art. The fluid (mixed gas and liquid phases) exits the fluid distribution device via a tapered and beveled venturi outlet as a wider spray pattern. The pressure drop across the fluid distribution device is minimized for energy saving and to reduce attrition on top bed layer.
The fluid distribution device of the invention can be used in downflow catalytic reactors. In the downflow catalytic reactor the flow distribution device of the invention allows gas phase and liquid phase mixing and distributes the fluids as a well dispersed spray onto, for example, an underlying catalyst bed. As used herein, gas, liquid, and combinations thereof are referred to as β€œfluid” or β€œfluids”.
The flow distribution device of the invention can be inserted into a preexisting chimney in a distribution tray assembly. In such a retrofit application the flow distribution device that can be inserted into a pre-existing chimney would thus be referred to as a chimney insert. In a new reactor design the flow distribution device can be installed directly in the distribution tray in place of a chimney. Generally, the fluid distribution device of the invention can range in size from about 1 inch in diameter to about 4 inches in diameter, although smaller or larger diameters are possible depending on the application. In some such embodiments, the fluid distribution device of the invention can range in size from about 1.5 inch in diameter to about 3 inches in diameter The number of fluid distribution devices of the invention for use in a downflow catalytic reactor can vary and is selected according to the desired flow rates and other conditions desired in the downflow catalytic reactor. The selection process for the number of fluid distribution devices of the invention is similar to the conventional selection process for determining the number of standard chimneys in a downflow catalytic reactor.
In embodiments, the flow distribution device may be employed in a retrofit application. A pre-existing chimney can be used and the flow distribution device inserted into the existing chimney. For example, FIG. 1 shows how the flow distribution device 1 can be employed as an insert in which the diameter of the device is such that it will insert into a pre-existing chimney in distributor tray 85, forming an essentially fluid tight seal with the chimney wall 4. FIG. 2 further illustrates a distribution of chimneys, including the flow distribution device 1, on a distributor tray. In embodiments, the fluid distribution device extends upwardly from the bottom of the chimney 65 to a height that is greater than 50% or greater than 75% of the distance between the bottom of the chimney 65 and the top of the chimney 70. The invention can be scaled so as to insert into a variety of differently sized pre-existing chimneys for retrofit application. Scaling can be accomplished by measuring the interior diameter of the pre-existing chimney and scaling the outer diameter of the flow distribution device of the invention to be smaller than the interior diameter of the pre-existing chimney. In embodiments, the diameter of the outer diameter of the device will range from about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches, although smaller or larger diameters are not excluded and depend on the application. In another embodiment, the invention can be employed as a standalone fluid distribution device.
In both retrofit and non-retrofit embodiments, the outer wall 5 forms a cylindrical structure. A top capping portion 6 caps the cylindrical structure formed by the outer wall 5, and is in fluid tight connection with the cylindrical outer wall. The top capping portion 6 comprises at least one gas inlet opening 10. In embodiments, the gas inlet opening ranges in diameter from about 0.1 inches to about 1.0 inches, although smaller or larger diameters are not excluded and depend on the application. In some such embodiments, the gas inlet opening ranges in diameter from about 0.3 inches to about 0.7 inches. In an embodiment, the top capping portion 6 comprises a single centrally located gas inlet opening 10. The gas inlet opening 10 opens to an axial gas conduit 15 for gas flow. The gas conduit 15 has a lower gas conduit opening 20 that opens to a mixing cavity 25. In embodiments, the gas conduit 15 is coaxial with mixing cavity 25. In embodiments, the gas conduit is in a vertical orientation. As gas flows through the gas conduit, a pressure difference is created between the pressure in the mixing cavity 25 and the pressure at the gas inlet opening 10. This pressure difference between the lower relative pressure in the interior of the flow distribution device and the higher relative pressure on the exterior of the flow distribution device helps drive liquids into the interior of the flow distribution device through one or more lateral openings 35. Due to the liquid flow being at least in part due to the above described pressure differential, any tray out of levelness will have less of an effect on liquid flow. For example, as long as the lateral liquid opening or openings are below the surface of the liquid level 60, any liquid flow differentials caused by tray out of levelness will be minimized because the majority of the liquid flow is determined by the pressure differential caused by the gas flow as opposed to any pressure differential attributed to the varying liquid levels due to tray out of levelness.
In embodiments, the liquid conduit 35 is positioned such that the gas conduit opening(s) 20 into the mixing cavity 25 is on a horizontal plane which is at least as high (in a vertical dimension) as the lower extent 75 of the liquid conduit 35. In some embodiments, the gas conduit opening 20 is on a horizontal plane between the lower extent 75 and the upper extent 80 of the liquid conduit 35. In some embodiments, the gas conduit opening 20 is on a horizontal plane which is coincident with the upper extent 80 of the liquid conduit 35. In some embodiments the gas conduit opening 20 is on a horizontal plane no lower than the upper extent 80 of the liquid conduit 35.
The combination of a horizontal liquid conduit 35 and a vertical gas conduit 20 which is at least as high as the lower extent of the liquid conduit provides a flow distribution device which may be employed as a retrofit application in an existing chimney, having an existing side hole(s) 30 for liquid flow.
The number of lateral openings can vary depending on the desired flow rate. The embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates one lateral opening for liquid flow. In other embodiments, more than one lateral opening for liquid flow may be employed. In embodiments, multiple lateral openings are on the same horizontal plane with respect to each other. In embodiments, the lateral opening can range in diameter from about 0.2 inches to about 0.75 inches, although smaller or larger diameters are not excluded and depend on the application. In some such embodiments, the lateral liquid inlet has a diameter of between 0.25 and 0.60 inches. In embodiments, the lateral opening 30 for the liquid phase is circular and forms the opening of a cylindrical liquid passageway 35. In some such embodiments, the axis of the cylindrical liquid conduit is in a horizontal orientation. In some such embodiments, the axis of the lateral opening is radial to the gas conduit, i.e. is perpendicular to the gas conduit. The cylindrical liquid conduit 35 has a circular outlet opening 40 that opens to the mixing cavity 25. In embodiments, the liquid flows in the liquid conduit in a direction perpendicular to the flow of gas in the gas conduit. In some such embodiments, at least a portion (or all) of the liquid flowing from the liquid conduit contacts the gas flowing from the gas conduit in a perpendicular direction. In general, the mixing cavity 25 has a radial diameter B that is greater than the radial diameter A of the cylindrical gas conduit 15, and greater than the radial diameter C of the liquid conduit 35. The shape of the mixing cavity can vary, provided that the mixing cavity has sufficient volume to allow mixing of the incoming gas and liquid phases prior to fluid egress. At the base of the mixing cavity 25 and below the lateral liquid opening 30 is a beveled and tapered poly-phase outlet nozzle 46. The poly-phase nozzle 46 has a radial diameter D that is less than the radial diameter B of the mixing cavity 25. In an embodiment, nozzle inlet 45 of the poly-phase nozzle 46 is fixidly coupled to and co-axially aligned with the mixing cavity 25. In some such embodiments, the nozzle inlet is co-axially aligned with the gas conduit. The nozzle inlet 45 is centrally located at the base of the mixing cavity and coaxial with the cylindrical outer wall 5. The shape of the nozzle imparts a venturi effect to the egressing fluids by accelerating and dispersing the liquid and gas phases passing out of the mixing chamber. In embodiments, the bevel of the nozzle is between 5 degrees to 85 degrees, wherein the angle of the bevel is measured from a plane bisecting the poly-phase nozzle 46 and parallel to the top capping portion. In some such embodiments, the bevel is between 30 degrees to 60 degrees, e.g. 45 degrees.
Fluids flow through the poly-phase nozzle 46 and exit the distribution device through a bottom opening 50 that is centrally located in the bottom wall 55. The radial diameter E of the bottom opening 50 is greater than the radial diameter of the most restricted portion of the poly-phase nozzle (D in the Figure). The fluids have a highly distributed spray pattern upon exiting the distribution device through the bottom opening to help ensure uniform wetting of an underlying catalyst bed (not shown). In an embodiment, the poly-phase nozzle comprises an inner wall 49. In an embodiment, the inner wall 49 is beveled. In some such embodiments, the bevel of the inner wall is between 5 degrees to 85 degrees, as measured from a plane bisecting the nozzle opening. In some such embodiments, the bevel of the inner wall is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, e.g. 45 degrees.
In another embodiment the inner wall can be flat. By flat it is meant that the inner wall is parallel to the bottom wall 55 and/or perpendicular to the side wall 5. In an embodiment, the bottom opening has a radial diameter E that is less than the radial diameter F of the bottom wall. In another embodiment, the bottom opening has a radial diameter E that is equal to the radial diameter F of the bottom wall, i.e. the bottom opening spans the full basal area of the distribution device.
The flow distribution device of the invention allows greater tolerance for tray out of levelness than chimneys of the prior art. In addition, the flow distribution device of the invention can be used in retrofit applications, providing added economic benefit and design flexibility. Due to the design of the nozzle and diverging nozzle a spray discharge pattern that is uniform and completely wets the catalyst surface underneath the distributor can be achieved.
EXAMPLES
Example 1 (Comparative). Two identical chimneys, A and B, were installed in an 11 in. diameter test cell with chimney A approximately 0.25 in. lower than chimney B to simulate tray out of levelness. The chimneys were approximately 6 in. apart. The diameter of each chimney was 2.5 in. Two lateral openings measuring 0.5 in. diameter were present at 1.0 in. above the bottom of each of the chimneys A and B. The height of each chimney was 6.5 in. Water with a flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute (GPM) and air with a flow rate of 8 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) were used to simulate conditions in a downflow catalytic reactor. The water entered the chimneys through the lateral openings and gas entered through a top opening. The liquid flow rate was measured through each of the chimneys. Chimney A had a flow rate of 58.5% and chimney B had a flow rate of 41.5%.
Example 2 (invention). The experiment outlined in Example 1 was repeated with the flow distribution device of the invention inserted into each of the chimneys A and B. Flow rates were again measured through each of the chimneys. Chimney A had a flow rate of 49.3% and chimney B had a flow rate of 50.7%.
The above examples demonstrate that the flow distribution device of the invention when used as a chimney insert in a retrofit type application (Example 2) showed higher tolerance for tray out of levelness than chimneys (Example 1) without the insert. In addition, the gas/liquid mixing was improved for Example 2 as compared with Example 1 and the spray pattern for Example 2 was wider and more uniform than the spray pattern for Example 1. Thus, the fluid distribution device of the invention demonstrated improved characteristics for use as a fluid distribution device when compared with a conventional chimney.

Claims (19)

1. A flow distribution device for distributing a poly-phase fluid to a granular solid, comprising:
a. at least one gas conduit for introducing a gas phase into a mixing cavity having a radial diameter which is greater than a radial diameter of the gas conduit, the gas conduit extending from a gas inlet opening that is centrally located in a top capping portion, through a lower gas conduit opening into the mixing cavity, the gas conduit opening being positioned no lower than the lower extent of a liquid conduit that is provided for introducing a liquid phase into the mixing cavity; and
b. a poly-phase nozzle for accelerating and dispersing the liquid and gas phases passing out of the flow distribution device, the nozzle having an nozzle inlet that is fixidly coupled to and co-axially aligned with the mixing cavity.
2. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the gas conduit is cylindrical.
3. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the gas conduit is in a vertical orientation.
4. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the gas conduit opening is on a horizontal plane between the lower extent and the upper extent of the liquid conduit.
5. The flow distribution of claim 1, wherein the gas conduit opening is on a horizontal plane no lower than the upper extent of the liquid conduit.
6. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the poly-phase nozzle further comprises a bottom outlet.
7. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the top capping portion is in fluid tight connection with a cylindrical outer wall and comprises a gas inlet that is centrally located in the top capping portion.
8. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the poly-phase nozzle comprises a nozzle inlet in fluid communication with the mixing cavity.
9. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the one or more gas inlets is between about 0.1 inch and 1 inch.
10. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the one or more gas inlets is between 0.3 inches and 0.7 inches.
11. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the one or more Lateral liquid inlets is between 0.20 inches to about 0.75 inches.
12. The flow distribution device of claim 7, wherein the diameter of the outer wall is between about 1 inches and about 4 inches.
13. The flow distribution device of claim 6, wherein the diameter of the bottom opening is greater than the diameter of the poly-phase nozzle.
14. The flow distribution device of claim 8, wherein the bevel of the poly-phase nozzle is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, as measured from a plane bisecting the poly-phase nozzle opening.
15. The flow distribution device of claim 1, wherein the poly-phase nozzle further comprises a beveled inner wall.
16. The flow distribution device of claim 15, wherein the bevel of the inner wall is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, as measured from a plane bisecting the poly-phase nozzle opening.
17. The flow distribution device of claim 1, further comprising a chimney.
18. A distributor tray having at least one chimney for distributing a downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material, the chimney including one flow distribution device that has been retrofit into the chimney, the flow distribution device comprising:
a. at least one gas conduit for introducing a gas phase into a mixing cavity having a radial diameter which is greater than a radial diameter of the gas conduit, the gas conduit extending from a gas inlet opening that is centrally located in a top capping portion, through a lower gas conduit opening into the mixing cavity, the gas conduit opening being positioned no lower than the lower extent of a liquid that is provided for introducing a liquid phase into the mixing cavity; and
b. a poly-phase nozzle for accelerating and dispersing the liquid and gas phases passing out of the flow distribution device, the nozzle having an nozzle inlet that is fixidly coupled to and co-axially aligned with the mixing cavity.
19. The distributor tray of claim 18, wherein the chimney has a lateral opening for liquid flow that is co-axial with the liquid conduit.
US12/575,334 2009-10-07 2009-10-07 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors Active 2030-09-16 US8211375B2 (en)

Priority Applications (15)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/575,334 US8211375B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2009-10-07 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
TW99133083A TWI466716B (en) 2009-10-07 2010-09-29 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
ARP100103614A AR078526A1 (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-05 FLOW DISTRIBUTION DEVICE FOR DOWN FLOW CATALYTIC REACTORS
KR1020127009009A KR101732409B1 (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
PCT/US2010/051583 WO2011044201A2 (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
CA2776782A CA2776782C (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
RU2012118765/05A RU2542248C2 (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 Device of fluid medium flow distribution for catalytic reactors with descending flow
CN201080044862.4A CN102574087B (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
JP2012533269A JP2013507239A (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 Downstream catalytic reactor flow distributor
EP10822579.8A EP2542335A4 (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
IN3171DEN2012 IN2012DN03171A (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06
AU2010303517A AU2010303517B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
MYPI2012001411A MY161960A (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
BR112012008022-9A BR112012008022B1 (en) 2009-10-07 2010-10-06 FLOW DISTRIBUTION DEVICE, AND, DISTRIBUTION TRAY
JP2016005984A JP6093885B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2016-01-15 Downstream catalytic reactor flow distributor

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/575,334 US8211375B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2009-10-07 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110081282A1 US20110081282A1 (en) 2011-04-07
US8211375B2 true US8211375B2 (en) 2012-07-03

Family

ID=43823336

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/575,334 Active 2030-09-16 US8211375B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2009-10-07 Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors

Country Status (14)

Country Link
US (1) US8211375B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2542335A4 (en)
JP (2) JP2013507239A (en)
KR (1) KR101732409B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102574087B (en)
AR (1) AR078526A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2010303517B2 (en)
BR (1) BR112012008022B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2776782C (en)
IN (1) IN2012DN03171A (en)
MY (1) MY161960A (en)
RU (1) RU2542248C2 (en)
TW (1) TWI466716B (en)
WO (1) WO2011044201A2 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120138175A1 (en) * 2010-12-06 2012-06-07 Uop, Llc Distribution tray, vessel, or method relating thereto
US20130180595A1 (en) * 2012-01-13 2013-07-18 Uop, Llc Vessel, distribution tray, and method for passing one or more fluids
US20140284392A1 (en) * 2011-08-03 2014-09-25 Total Marketing Services Tray for dispensing a gas and a liquid, reactor provided with such a tray, and use of said tray
US9381487B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2016-07-05 IFP Energies Nouvelles Distribution tray for distributing a polyphasic mixture with inclined peripheral conduits
US20190264716A1 (en) * 2018-02-23 2019-08-29 Indian Oil Corporation Limited Distribution of a multi-phase fluid mixture
US11654391B2 (en) 2018-08-10 2023-05-23 Starklab Device for bringing a gas stream and a liquid stream into contact

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8697015B2 (en) 2011-12-01 2014-04-15 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Flow distribution for monolithic reactors
JP2015507319A (en) * 2011-12-15 2015-03-05 γƒˆγƒ—γ‚΅γƒΌγƒ»γƒ•γƒ₯γƒΌγ‚¨γƒ«γƒ»γ‚»γƒ«γƒ»γ‚’γ‚―γƒγ‚¨γ‚Όγƒ«γ‚Ήγ‚«γƒ™γƒƒγƒˆ Method and system for desulfurizing liquid fuel for fuel cell applications
FR3034323B1 (en) * 2015-04-01 2017-03-17 Ifp Energies Now MIXING AND DISPENSING DEVICE WITH MIXING AND EXCHANGE ZONES
FR3034324B1 (en) * 2015-04-01 2017-03-17 Ifp Energies Now MIXING AND DISPENSING DEVICE COMPRISING A DISPENSING TRAY WITH PERIPHERAL OPENINGS
FR3050658B1 (en) * 2016-04-29 2018-04-20 IFP Energies Nouvelles DEVICE FOR MIXING AND DISPENSING WITH MIXING AND EXCHANGE ZONES AND DEFLECTORS.
FR3065886B1 (en) * 2017-05-05 2021-12-31 Ifp Energies Now NEW DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF POLYPHASIC MIXTURE IN AN ENCLOSURE COMPRISING A FLUIDIZED MEDIUM
US10518235B2 (en) * 2017-07-28 2019-12-31 Uop Llc Methods and apparatus for fluid contacting in a downflow vessel
US10589244B1 (en) * 2019-02-07 2020-03-17 Uop Llc Hydroprocessing reactor internals having reduced height
ES2912542T3 (en) * 2019-03-28 2022-05-26 Sener Ing & Sist System for the production of methanol from a synthesis gas rich in hydrogen and CO2/CO
WO2021060699A1 (en) * 2019-09-24 2021-04-01 μ£Όμ‹νšŒμ‚¬ μ—˜μ§€ν™”ν•™ Socket-type fluid distribution apparatus
KR102524372B1 (en) * 2019-09-24 2023-04-21 μ£Όμ‹νšŒμ‚¬ μ—˜μ§€ν™”ν•™ Soket type fluid distributing device
WO2021198818A1 (en) * 2020-03-31 2021-10-07 Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited Apparatus for distributing fluid in downflow reactors
CN115591483B (en) * 2022-12-15 2023-04-07 东θ₯εΈ‚δΏŠζΊηŸ³ζ²ΉζŠ€ζœ―εΌ€ε‘ζœ‰ι™ε…¬εΈ Food-grade white oil hydrogenation preparation device

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0172166A1 (en) 1984-02-03 1986-02-26 Advanced Drug Technology Corporation Enzyme-containing digestive aid compositions
US4836989A (en) * 1987-07-02 1989-06-06 Mobil Oil Corporation Distribution system for downflow reactors
US4933047A (en) 1989-03-22 1990-06-12 Shell Oil Company Chimney tray hat
US6093373A (en) 1996-02-27 2000-07-25 Institut Francais Du Petrole Plate for distributing a multiphase mixture through a catalytic bed
US20010055548A1 (en) 2000-04-17 2001-12-27 Institut Francais Du Petrole Device for distributing a poly-phase mixture over a bed of a granular solid, comprising a porous jet disturber element
WO2005016508A1 (en) 2003-08-18 2005-02-24 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Distribution device
US20050062178A1 (en) 2001-11-09 2005-03-24 Isabelle Harter Device for distributing a polyphase mixture on a granular solid bed comprising a porous anti-splash nozzle element with flanges
US20060078483A1 (en) * 2004-10-13 2006-04-13 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Fluid distribution apparatus for downflow multibed poly-phase catalytic reactor
US20060257300A1 (en) 2005-05-13 2006-11-16 Rasmus Breivik Distributor system for downflow reactors

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2609277A (en) * 1947-02-24 1952-09-02 Phillips Petroleum Co Contacting of immiscible liquids
US2523126A (en) * 1947-11-20 1950-09-19 Standard Oil Dev Co Apparatus for countercurrent contact of fluid materials
US4140625A (en) * 1977-12-19 1979-02-20 Uop Inc. Mixed-phase distributor for fixed-bed catalytic reaction chambers
JP3002360B2 (en) * 1993-07-26 2000-01-24 ζ ͺεΌδΌšη€Ύγ‚Έγƒ£γƒ‘γƒ³γ‚¨γƒŠγ‚ΈγƒΌ Dispersion equipment
US5635145A (en) * 1994-08-23 1997-06-03 Shell Oil Company Multi-bed downflow reactor
US5690896A (en) * 1995-05-05 1997-11-25 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Distributor assembly for multi-bed down-flow catalytic reactors
RU2127147C1 (en) * 1996-12-06 1999-03-10 АкционСрноС общСство Ново-Уфимский Π½Π΅Ρ„Ρ‚Π΅ΠΏΠ΅Ρ€Π΅Ρ€Π°Π±Π°Ρ‚Ρ‹Π²Π°ΡŽΡ‰ΠΈΠΉ Π·Π°Π²ΠΎΠ΄ Distributing device
FR2782657B1 (en) * 1998-09-02 2000-09-29 Inst Francais Du Petrole FLUID DISTRIBUTOR-COLLECTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD
RU2236899C1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2004-09-27 Π€Π΅Π΄Π΅Ρ€Π°Π»ΡŒΠ½ΠΎΠ΅ государствСнноС ΡƒΠ½ΠΈΡ‚Π°Ρ€Π½ΠΎΠ΅ прСдприятиС "ГосударствСнный Π½Π°ΡƒΡ‡Π½ΠΎ-ΠΈΡΡΠ»Π΅Π΄ΠΎΠ²Π°Ρ‚Π΅Π»ΡŒΡΠΊΠΈΠΉ институт Ρ…ΠΈΠΌΠΈΠΈ ΠΈ Ρ‚Π΅Ρ…Π½ΠΎΠ»ΠΎΠ³ΠΈΠΈ элСмСнтоорганичСских соСдинСний" Reactor for conducting chemical processes
RU2404837C2 (en) * 2004-01-15 2010-11-27 Π₯Π°Π»ΡŒΠ΄ΠΎΡ€ ВопсСэ А/Π‘ Plate for distribution of liquid and vapor
JP4604590B2 (en) * 2004-07-27 2011-01-05 γ‚’γ‚€γ‚·γƒ³η²Ύζ©Ÿζ ͺ式会瀾 Viscous fluid coupling device
US7506861B2 (en) * 2005-01-21 2009-03-24 Morten Muller Ltd. Aps Distribution device for two-phase concurrent downflow vessels
BRPI0704849B1 (en) * 2007-12-13 2016-03-22 PetrΓ³leo Brasileiro S A Petrobras biphasic load distributor nozzle for fixed bed reactors
ES2487503T3 (en) * 2008-01-09 2014-08-21 Haldor TopsΓΈe A/S Vapor-liquid distribution device
FR2948296A1 (en) * 2009-07-21 2011-01-28 Inst Francais Du Petrole DEVICE FOR MIXING GAS AND DISPENSING THE MIXTURE RESULTING AT THE ENTRY OF A CATALYTIC REACTOR

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0172166A1 (en) 1984-02-03 1986-02-26 Advanced Drug Technology Corporation Enzyme-containing digestive aid compositions
US4836989A (en) * 1987-07-02 1989-06-06 Mobil Oil Corporation Distribution system for downflow reactors
US4933047A (en) 1989-03-22 1990-06-12 Shell Oil Company Chimney tray hat
US6093373A (en) 1996-02-27 2000-07-25 Institut Francais Du Petrole Plate for distributing a multiphase mixture through a catalytic bed
US20010055548A1 (en) 2000-04-17 2001-12-27 Institut Francais Du Petrole Device for distributing a poly-phase mixture over a bed of a granular solid, comprising a porous jet disturber element
US20050062178A1 (en) 2001-11-09 2005-03-24 Isabelle Harter Device for distributing a polyphase mixture on a granular solid bed comprising a porous anti-splash nozzle element with flanges
WO2005016508A1 (en) 2003-08-18 2005-02-24 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Distribution device
US20050077635A1 (en) 2003-08-18 2005-04-14 Van Hasselt Bastiaan Willem Distribution device
US7452516B2 (en) 2003-08-18 2008-11-18 Shell Oil Company Distribution device
US20060078483A1 (en) * 2004-10-13 2006-04-13 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Fluid distribution apparatus for downflow multibed poly-phase catalytic reactor
US7473405B2 (en) 2004-10-13 2009-01-06 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Fluid distribution apparatus for downflow multibed poly-phase catalytic reactor
US20060257300A1 (en) 2005-05-13 2006-11-16 Rasmus Breivik Distributor system for downflow reactors

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PCT/US2010/051583, International Search Report, mailing date Jun. 10, 2011, pp. 1-8.

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120138175A1 (en) * 2010-12-06 2012-06-07 Uop, Llc Distribution tray, vessel, or method relating thereto
US8695953B2 (en) * 2010-12-06 2014-04-15 Uop Llc Distribution tray, vessel, or method relating thereto
US20140284392A1 (en) * 2011-08-03 2014-09-25 Total Marketing Services Tray for dispensing a gas and a liquid, reactor provided with such a tray, and use of said tray
US9399229B2 (en) * 2011-08-03 2016-07-26 Total Marketing Services Tray for dispensing a gas and a liquid, reactor provided with such a tray, and use of said tray
US9381487B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2016-07-05 IFP Energies Nouvelles Distribution tray for distributing a polyphasic mixture with inclined peripheral conduits
US20130180595A1 (en) * 2012-01-13 2013-07-18 Uop, Llc Vessel, distribution tray, and method for passing one or more fluids
US20190264716A1 (en) * 2018-02-23 2019-08-29 Indian Oil Corporation Limited Distribution of a multi-phase fluid mixture
US10900507B2 (en) * 2018-02-23 2021-01-26 Indian Oil Corporation Limited Distribution of a multi-phase fluid mixture
US11654391B2 (en) 2018-08-10 2023-05-23 Starklab Device for bringing a gas stream and a liquid stream into contact

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AR078526A1 (en) 2011-11-16
JP2016106024A (en) 2016-06-16
BR112012008022A2 (en) 2016-06-14
EP2542335A2 (en) 2013-01-09
TW201121643A (en) 2011-07-01
MY161960A (en) 2017-05-15
EP2542335A4 (en) 2016-12-07
US20110081282A1 (en) 2011-04-07
CA2776782C (en) 2017-09-26
KR20120093206A (en) 2012-08-22
KR101732409B1 (en) 2017-05-24
WO2011044201A2 (en) 2011-04-14
TWI466716B (en) 2015-01-01
JP2013507239A (en) 2013-03-04
RU2012118765A (en) 2013-11-20
CN102574087B (en) 2014-10-15
JP6093885B2 (en) 2017-03-08
CN102574087A (en) 2012-07-11
AU2010303517B2 (en) 2014-07-31
WO2011044201A3 (en) 2011-10-20
BR112012008022B1 (en) 2023-10-03
AU2010303517A1 (en) 2012-04-19
CA2776782A1 (en) 2011-04-14
IN2012DN03171A (en) 2015-09-25
RU2542248C2 (en) 2015-02-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8211375B2 (en) Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
US4233269A (en) Gas liquid distributor
US20120014849A1 (en) Multiphase contact and distribution apparatus for hydroprocessing
US7473405B2 (en) Fluid distribution apparatus for downflow multibed poly-phase catalytic reactor
CN101142013B (en) Device for mixing and distributing a gas and a liquid upstream of a granular bed
CN101279229B (en) Trickle bed reactor
US20120014847A1 (en) Multiphase contact and distribution apparatus for hydroprocessing
EA034637B1 (en) Mixing device with tangential inlets for two-phase concurrent vessels
US20080066622A1 (en) Reflecting packed column
CN100355494C (en) Mixing device for two-phase concurrent vessels
KR20110106856A (en) Slurry bubble column reactor
CN204564077U (en) Gas feed distributor and three phase slurry bed bioreactor
CN1128855C (en) Feed nozzle assembly
CN101600494B (en) Reactor for carrying out a reaction between two fluid educts on a catalyst bed, said fluid educts being previously mixed in a mixing device
KR20070008680A (en) Slurry bubble column reactor
CN213644075U (en) Microbubble generator and hydrocarbon oil hydrogenation reactor
CN201042663Y (en) Gas-liquid cocurrent flow inlet diffuser
CN106237938B (en) Logistics mixing distributor and solid particle bed reactor
CN2600160Y (en) Quench mixer in hydrocarbon conversion reactor
CN108114669B (en) Baffle type impact-reducing flow-equalizing disc
CN110961047A (en) Nozzle for catalytic cracking device
CN117414766A (en) Fixed ball type gas-liquid steady flow disc and up-flow reactor
CN117398927A (en) Uplink gas-liquid distributor, gas-liquid distribution method, uplink reactor, application of uplink reactor and uplink hydrogenation reactor
CN110961051A (en) Atomizing nozzle for catalytic cracking unit reaction
CN110964555A (en) Atomizing nozzle for lifting pipe

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PARIMI, KRISHNIAH;SONG, STEVEN X.;KILLEN, RALPH E.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:023341/0577

Effective date: 20091007

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 8

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 12